Developer cleared to start chopping down trees before nesting
begins

The earthworks agreement, ratified last night by council, permits the
developer to remove trees prior to April 15, before the nesting of
migratory birds. Tree compensation payable to the Town is $78,955.

"The request is to allow the trees on the property to be removed in
advance of the breeding bird season for the protection of nests, eggs
and young as set out by the federal Migratory Bird Convention Act,"
according to the staff report to council. "Stage one of Earthworks
Agreement will consist of approval for the developer cutting and
disposing of the trees across their entire 29.26 (hectares) developable
site. The stumps of the trees will be left in place and no clearing,
grubbing or soil disturbing activities will occur in stage one."

Willow Glen will be a mix of single/semi detached dwellings,
townhouses, one apartment block, three environmental protection areas,
one storm management/wetland block, two parkland blocks, and one
commercial block.

Grading of the lands will require the relocation of approximately
747,000 cubic metres of material and is expected to take approximately
3-4 months. The temporary topsoil stockpiles will be
located in the south-east corner of the developable lands outside
phases 1 & 2 and away from any existing residential properties.